Pencil



J. F. LINDBERG PENCIL.

FILED AUG. 21. 1920.

Patented Mar. 6, E923.

ca rn STATS Parana rattan oaarca.

JOHN F. LINJDBERG, 0F CHICAGO,-ILLINOIS.

PENCIL.

Application filed August 21, 1920. Serial No. 405,036.

My invention relates to pencils mploying mechanism for positioning theirleads or leasing rod an other rods of marking material.

The invention has for its general object the improvement andsimplification of the mechanism for effecting forward or feedingmovement of the marking element of the pencil. An importantcharacteristic resides in a manuallv operated clutch which isinterrelated with the marking element in a manner to enable the clutchto force projecting movement of the marking element when the clutch isoperated and permit inward movement of this element. This clutch issupplemented by means which serve to hold the marking element in itsprojected position. i

Vhen the invention is embodied in a pencil the marking element is in theform of a rod of marking material such as graphite, such a rod beingherein termed a lead irrespective of the material of which it is made.The lead (by which term I marking material) is not well adapted for Aengagement by any feeding device, which would be apt to weaken or breakit. I therefore supplement th lead by a follower rod within and'movablelongitudinally ofthe pencil casing, this follower rod being preferablymerely in separable pushing relation with the inner end of the leadwhereby the pencil may readilv be resupplied with lead. The aforesaidmeans for holding the lead in its" projected position, therefore,preferably includes a gripping or pinching device operating directlyupon the lead and an airtomatically operating clutch acting directlyupon the follower rod, whereby inward and outward movement of the leadand the folfore the casin lower rod are both prevented. The manuallyoperable clutch that effects projecting movement of the lead isdesirably provided with an actuating rod whereby this clutch may beoperated from the exterior of the pencil casing, this clutch having aspring for automatically placing it in released position when theactuating rod isreleased.

mean any rod of automatic clutch then functlo The automaticallyoperating clutch is provided with a spring for eflecting its automaticapplication to the follower rod and is also provided with a releasingrod that is manually operable from the exterior of the casing. Bothclutches are desirably in the form of- IIDOS that, in effect, surroundthe follower ro A positioner is preferably provided that has engagementwith the red has cam connection with the to afford adjustment for the toprevent or permit it from pencil casin releasing rod functioning.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanyingdrawing showing the preferred embodiment thereof and in which Fig. 1 isan axial sectional view of a pencil made in accordance with thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the pencil being adjustedfor use;F 2 illustrates, on a larger scale, structure shown in Fig. l with themanually operable clutch in the position it occupies when it is beingoperated to effect the feeding movement of the lead; Fig. 3 shows theelements illustrated in Fig. 2 with the manually operated clutchautomatically restored by its spring and the automatically operatingclutch released by the adjustment of its releasing rod, the actuatingspring of the ning to release this clutch; Fig. 4: is a View inelevation of the upper part of the structure with a component element ofthe casing removed to illustrate one manner of. manufacture andassembly; and F i line 55 of Fig. 2.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe difi erent figures. 1 The casing of the pencil may have a variety offorms and may be of any suitable construction. The casing illustratedincludes a hollow ylinder 1 having openings? and 3 therein within whichclutch mechanism may be inserted laterally of the casing beg iscompleted bythe addition thereto of a jacket or sheath 4 that isassemthe upper portion of the g. 5 is a sectional View on bled in tightengagement with the cylinder 1 so as to form'therewith a unitary!element.

plug 5 is in tight fit with and within the upper end of the cylinder 1;a plug 6 is in tight fit with and within the lower end of the cylinder1; and plugs 7 and 8 are in tight fit with and within the lower endportion of the cylinder 1 and between the plugs 5 and 6. The casingincludes the lower cylindrical .end portion 9 in threaded connection, atits upper end, with the lower end of the jacket 5 4 that extends belowthe cylinder-*1. The

casing portion 9 is desirably conically tapered at the writing end ofthe instrument to simulate the sharpening of a wooden pencil. A sleeve10, with a conical exterior to surface, is received in the conical endof the casing portion 9. The bore of the sleeve 10 is fixedly assembledwith the guiding tube 11 that is co-axial with the pencil casing. Spaceintervenes between the guiding tube 15 and the wall of the casingportion 9 to enable this casing portion to serve the purpose of amagazine to hold spare leads 12 that are use-able in the pencil. Theleads may readily be removedfrom their magazine element 9 by unscrewingthis element from the jacket 4 for the casing. Each of these leads isadapted for sliding fit within the bore of the guiding tube 11. Thelower end of this guiding tube is slotted, as indicated at 11',

to form a gripping or pinching device to engage the lower end of thelead that is in the guiding tube whereby this particular lead isprevented from dropping out of the pencil casing inasmuch as the lowerend of the fol- 39 lower rod 13, that is employ ted to effect thefeeding movement of the lead, preferably has only abutting and pushingengagement with the inner end of the lead. The gripping pressure exertedby the lower end of the guiding tube is sufficiently light to permit ofthe feeding movement of the lead and the insertion of a fresh leadthrough the lower end of the pencil casing into the tube 11. However. itis preferred to load the pencil by 49 passing the lead into the upperend of the guiding tube whose bore is flared at its upper end tofacilitate the insertion of the lead into the top.

The follower rod 13 has sliding fit within 4 the bores formed in theplugs 6, 7 and 8 that are, co-axial with each other andwith the bore ofthe guiding tube 11 with which said follower rod al o has sliding fit.Theautomatically .operable clutch 14 is disposed 0 within the opening 2between the plugs 7 5 action of a clutch spring 15. The plug 8 serves asan abutment for the lower end of said spring and the lower end of thereleasing rod 16 constitutes a fulcrum upon which the ring clutch 14 isrocked by the spring 15.

The rod 13 forms a supplementing part of the marking element structure.being formed of metal to withstand the operation of the clutches. Theclutch 14 normally serves to hold the follower rod 13 against materialup ward movement so that this follower rod serves as an abutment fofithe lead 12 that is within the guiding tube 11 whereby the inwardmovement of this lead is normally prevented. The manually operableclutch 17 is desirably also in'therformofa ring through which thefollower rod 13 also passes, this clutch being normally released fromeffective engagement with the follower rod by means oft'he spring 18.The lower end of this spring has the plug 6 for its abutment and theupper end of the spring normally presses the clutch 17 fully against thebottom facelof the plug 8 as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 4. \Vhen thelead is to be further proj ected from the writing end of the structure,the actuating rod 19, which may be operable from the exterior of thecasing in a manner to be set forth, is inwardly moved against one sideof the ring 17 to tilt this ring to engage it with the follower rod andthereafter to move this ring downwardly in company with the follower rodto effectthe-desired forward or feeding movement of the lead whichfeeding movement is preferably about a sixteenth of an inch for eachoperation of the feeding clutch 17. The feeding movement of the followerrod is permitted by the automatically operated clutch ring 14 as isobvious. When the feeding clutch 17 has been operated the actuating rod19.is released whereupon the spring 18 forces the clutch 17 into thereleasing position illustrated in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the automatic clutch14 at once operating to prevent inward movement of the follower rod.

lVhen said follower rod is moved upwardly, as for example when thepencil is to be reloaded, the releasing rod 16 may be moved upwardly, ina manner to be set forth, whereupon the clutch 14 is moved against thebottom face of the plug 7 as illustrated in Fig. 3, by means of itsspring that then operates as a releasing spring. The follower rod maynow be readily moved inwardly either through the agency of a lead forcedinwardly through the writing end of the pencil structure or when the.casing portion 9 is separated from the balance of the casing. After thepencil has been reloaded the releasing rod 16 is restored to its normalposition to enable the clutch 14 automatically to function to preventthe inward movement of the follower rod while permitting its forwardfeeding movement. 5

Any suitable means may be employed for making the clutches operable fromthe exterior of the casing. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated the upper end of the actuating rod 19-is engageableby a.button 20 movable longitudinally of the casing.

\Vhenever this button is pressed inwardly as by tapping itupon a tableor by means of the thumb, the clutch 17 is actuated to effect feedingmovement of the lead. The outer end of the releasing rod 16 desirablyoperated, engaging. the follower rod to subthe writing has an abutmentin the form of a cap 21 which houses the button 20. This cap is providedwith a. cam slot 22 in its skirt. The cam pin 23 is carried by thecasing and,enters the cam slot. The cap is rotatable upon the upper endof the cylinder 1 to bring it into or out of pressing engagement withthe releasing rod 16. When the cap is in its outermost posit-ion theautomatic clutch 14 is released, Fig. 3. When the capis in its innermostposition the releasing rod positions the clutch 14 to enable it to beautomatically operated by its spring.

While I have herein shown and particularly described the preferredembodiment of my invention I do not wish to be limited to the precisedetails of construction shown as changes may readily be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention, but having-thus described myinvention I claim as new and desire .to secure by Letters Patent thefollowing V 1. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in theformof a rod formed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of the casing whichis open at the Writing end of the pencilto permit of the projection of the forward end portion of the markingelement; a follower rod within and movable longitudinally of the casing,

said follower rod being engageable with the inner end portion ofsaid'marking element; a clutch within the casing and manually operabley( f'rom the exterior of the casing, said 0111 ch, normally disengagedbut when operate engaging the follower rod to sub- Sequentl effect itsforward movement to cause projecting movement of the marking element andpermitting reverse movementof this rod; and an automatically operatingclutch within the casing and interrelated ing element, in the form of a.rod formed of ma-rklng materlal, within and movable longitudinally ofthe casing which is open at the projection of the forward end portion ofthe marking element; a follower rod within and movable longitudinally ofthe casing, said follower rod being engageab e with the inner endportion of said-marking element;

a clutch within the casing and provided with an actuating rod manuallyoperable, from the exterior of the casing. said clutch, when sequentlyeffect its forward movement to cause projecting movement of the markingelement and permitting ;re"erse movement of this rod; and anautomatically operating clutch within the casing and interrelated withthe follower rod to prevent material return movement thereof, thisautomatically operating clutch being provided with a reend of the pencilto permit of marking element,

.ing

leasing rod. that is manually operable from the exterior of the casing.

3. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of arodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, said follower rodbeing engageable with the inner end portion of saidmarking element; anda clutch within the casing and provided with an actuating rod manuallyoperable from the exterior of the casing, said clutch, normallydisengaged but when operated, engaging the follower'rod to efiect itsforward movement tocause projecting movement of the marking element andsubsequently permitting reverse movement of this rod.

4'. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the 'marking element; afollower rod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, saidfollower rod being engageable with the inner end portion of said markingelement; a clutch within the casing and provided with'an actuating rodmanually operable from the exterior of the cas ingfsaid clutch, normallydisengaged but when operated, engaging the follower rod -to effect itsforward movement t o cause pro- .clutch is released. with the followerrod to prevent material return movement thereof. v

e ,2. A pencil including acasing; a mark- 5. A pencil including acasing; a marking element, in the form of a rod formed ofmarking'material, within and movable longitudinally of the casing whichis open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of the projection ofthe forward end portion of the marking element; a follower rod withinand movable longitudinally of the casing. said follower rod beingengageable with the inner end portion of said marking element; and aclutch within the casing and provided with an actuating rod manuallyoperable from the exterior of the easing, said clutch, when operated.engaging the follower rod to effect its forward movement to causeprojecting movement of the this clutch being in the form of a ringsurrounding the follower rod and provided with a spring for releasing itwhen the actuating rod is released.

6. A pencil. including a casing; a markelement. in the form of a rodformed of marking material. within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the'writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of'the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, said follower rodbeing engageable with the inner end portion of said marking element; aclutch within the casing and provided with an actuating rod manuallyoperable from the exterior of the casing, said clutch, when operated,engaging the follower rod to effect its forward movement to causeprojecting movement of the marking element, this clutch being in theform of a ring surrounding the follower rod and provided with a springfor releasing it when the actuating rod is released; and a device,carried by the casing, in gripping.

engagement with the marking element to hold it in its projected positionwhen the clutch is released.

7. A pencil including a=casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within andmovable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit ing itwhen the actuating rod is released;

and an automatically operating clutch within the casing and interrelatedwith the follower rod to prevent material return movement thereof, thisautomatically operating clutch being provided with a releasing rod thatis manually operable from theexterior I of the casing, thisautomatically operating clutch being in the form of a ring surroundingthe follower rod and having a spring for effecting its clutchingengagement with the follower rod when the releasing rod is not operated,said releasing rod normally holding the automatically operating clutchin position to function.

8. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of a theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the casing. said follower rodbeing engageable with the inner end portionof said marking element; aclutch within the casing and provlded wlth an actuating rod manuallyoperable from the exterior of the casing, sald clutch, when operated,engaging the follower rod to effect its forward-movement to causeprojecting movement of the mark ing element, this clutch being in theform ofa ring surrounding the follower rod and provided with a springfor releasing it when the actuating rod is released; and anautomatically operating clutch within the casing and interrelated withthe follower rod to prevent material return movement thereof, thisautomatically operating clutch being provided with a releasing rod andbeing in the form of a ring surrounding the follower rod and having aspring for eifecting its clutching-engagement with the follower rod whenthe releasing rod is not operated, said releasing rod normally holdingthe automatically operating clutch in position .to function; and apositioner 'engageab'le with the releasing rod and in cam connectionwith the casing to prevent or permit the functioning of the automaticclutch.

9. A pencil including a casing; a marking element in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open'at the writing end of the pencilto permit ofthe'projection of the forward end portionof the marking element; afollower rod within and movable longitudinally of the casingsaidfollower rod being-engageable' with the inner end portion of saidmarking element; a ring clutch surrounding the follower rod within thecasing and manually operable from the exterior of the casing to effectforward movement of the follower rod to cause projecting movement of themarking element; and a spring for automatically releasing said clutch.

10. A pencil including a casing, amarking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, said follower rodbeing engageable with the inner end portion of said marking element; aring clutch surrounding the follower rod within the casing and providedwith an actuating rod manually operable from the exterior of the casingtoelfect forward movement of the follower rod to cause projectingmovement of the marking element; and a spring for automaticallyreleasing said clutch.

11. A. pencil including a casing; a. marking element, in the form of arod formed of marking material," within and movable longitudinally ofthe casing'which is open at the writing the projection of the forwardend portion of themarking element; a follower rod within and movablelongitudinally of the casing, said follower rod being engageable' withthe inner end portion of said marking" element; a friction clutchengaging the foling element; and

lower rod within the casing and manually operable from the exterior ofthe casing to effect forward movement of the follower rod toca-useprojecting movement of the marka spring for automatically releasing saidclutch.

12. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally, of thecasing which is'open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the. casing, said followerrodbeing engageable with the inner end portion of said marking element;a friction clutch engaging the follower rod within the casing andprovided with an actuating rod manually operable from the exterior ofthe casing to effect forward movement of the follower rod to causeprojecting movement of the marking element; and a spring forautomatically releasing said clutch.

13. A pencil including a casing; a. marking element, in the form of arod formed of marking material, within and movable loIr gitudinally ofthe casing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit ofthe-projection of the forward end portion of the marking element; afollower rod witliin and movable longitudinally ofcthe casing, saidfollower rod being engageable with the inner end portion of said markingelement; a clutch within the casing and manually operable from theexterior of the casing, said clutch, when operated, engaging thefollower rod to effect its forward movement to cause the writing end ofthe projecting, movement ofthe marking element and subsequentlypermitting reverse movement of this'rod; and a clutch in holdingengagement with the follower rod, there being a releasing element for'the latter clutch in cam connection with a portion of the casing. a

' 1 f. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of arod formedof marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasing which is open at pencil to permit of the projection of theforward end portion of the marking element; a follower rod within ,andmovable longitudinally of the casing. said follower rod being engageablewith the inner end portion of. said marking element; a clutch within thecasing andmanend of the pencil to permit ofv connection with a &

ually operable from the exterior of the casing, said clutch, whenoperated, engaging the follower rod to effect its forward movement tocause projecting movement of the marking element and subsequentlypermitting reverse movement of'this rod; a clutch in holding engagementwith the follower rod; clutch, there .being a releasing rod actuatingelement in cam connection with a portion of the casing.

15, A pencil including a casing; a mark ing element, in the form of arod formed of marking material, within and movable 'longitudinally ofthe casing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit ofthe' projection of the forward end portion of the marking element; afollower rod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, saidfollower rod being engageable with; the inner end portion of saidmarking element;

a clutch within the casing and manually opengagement with the followerrod, there being a releasing element for the latter clutch in camconnection with a portion of the casing.

16. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longltud'inally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, said follower rodbeing engageable with the inner end portion of said marking element; aclutch within the casing and manually operable from the exterior of thecasing. .said clutch, when operated, engaging the follower rod .toeffect its forward movement to cause projecting movement of" the markingelement and subsequently permitting reverse movement of this rod; aclutch provided with a spring for bringing it into holding engagementwith the follower rod; and a releasing rod for the latter clutch, therebeing a releasing rod actuating element in cam portion of the casing.

17. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in theform of a rodformed of and a releasing rod for the latter the inner end portion ofsaid marking ele- .ment; and a clutch in holding engagement with thefollower rod, there being a releasing element for the clutch incamconnection with a portion of the casing.

18. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable 1ongitudinally of thecasing Which is open at the writing end of the pencil topermit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod Within and movable longitudinally of the casing,

said follower rod being engageable with the inner end portion of saidmarking element; a clutch in holding engagement with the follower rod;and a releasing rod for the clutch, there being a releasing rodactuating element in cam connection with a portion of the casing. a

19. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longit-udinally of thecasing which is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of theforward end portion of the marking element; a followerrod withing element, in the form of a rod formedof marking material,within and movable longitudinally of the casing which is open at thewritin end of the pencil to permit of the projection of the forward endportion of the marking element; a follower rod within and movablelongitudinally of the casing, said follower rod being engageable withthe inner end portionpf said marking element; a clutch provided with aspring for bringing it into holding engagement with the follower rod;and a releasing rod for the clutch, there being a releasing rodactuating element in cam connection with a portion of thecasing. Y

21. A pencil including a casing; a marking element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable longitudinally of thecasingwhic-h is open at the writing end of the pencil to permit of theprojection of the forward end portion of the marking element; and aclutch in holding relation to the rod of marking material to preventreturn movement thereof, there being a releasing element for the clutchin cam connection'with a portion of the casing. I

22. A pencil including a casing; a marking'element, in the form of a rodformed of marking material, within and movable lon; gitudinally of thecasing which is open at the writingend of the pencil to permit of theproject-ion of the forward end portion of the marking element; afollower rod within and movable longitudinally of the casing, saidfollowenrod being engageable with the inner end portion of said markingelement; a clutchwithin the casing and manuallyoperable from theexterior of the casing, said clutch, when operated, engaging the;follower rod to effect its forward movement to-cause projecting movementof the marking element and'subsequently permitting reverse movement ofthis rod; and an automatically operating manuallyreleasable clutchWithin the easung and interrelated with the follower rod to preventmaterial return movement thereof.

In witness whereof, ll hereunto subscribe my name this nineteenth day ofAugust A;

JOHN F. LINDBERG.

